Saint-Front Cathedral: a pride of Périgord

What would a visit to Périgueux be without a detour to Saint-Front Cathedral? Much less legendary! 

The Saint-Front Cathedral of Périgueux is a Roman Catholic cathedral, said to be in the Byzantine style. Located in the city center of Périgueux, it has been classified as a historic monument since 1840 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, as part of the routes to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle in France. Take advantage of your stay in Périgueux to discover this unique building, which is the pride of Périgord! You will see, at the end of the visit, you will no longer touch the ground…

The first stone: the legend of Saint-Front

According to pious legends, the first stones of the beautiful Saint-Front Cathedral were found in Frontonis or Frontus. Born in Lanquais, in Gaul between the 1st and 4th centuries, he would have studied letters in Périgord with a particular interest in the psalters (collections of psalms). Oppressed and ousted from the region, he left for Egypt, then Rome. There, he met the apostle Saint-Pierre and was ordained a priest. He would then have been sent to France, more precisely to the town of Périgueux, accompanied by seventy disciples.
Once installed in Périgueux, Saint-Front is said to have accomplished several miracles. Among his most notable events, he notably hunted the Coulobre in Lalinde, a hybrid creature half-snake, half-dragon, which lived on the banks of the river in a cave and attacked animals, women and boatmen. . Saint-Front is also said to have resurrected drowned children and had the gift of ubiquity (being in 2 places at the same time).
Until the 8th century, Front de Périgueux was only a legendary character, which was discussed orally. Then, during this last century, his first hagiography (life story of holy people) was written. Even today, it welcomes many pilgrims who come to admire its relics in its cathedral.

Small church, big history: the church of Saint-Front dedicated 

At the end of the 10th century,  the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela expands. The church of Saint-Front was then consecrated in 1047, with its monastery, founded by Bishop Frotaire. It was also on this date that the body and relics of Saint-Front would have been transferred to the church.

This transfer will change the urban space of the city: pilgrims will come in numbers to the neighborhood to admire the famous relics. On the lookout for a potential clientele, many merchants from Périgord settled near the Saint-Front church. In just a few decades, the city prospered! 

Who says merchants and neighborhood, says homes, often made of cob and wood. In 1120, a fire destroyed the Saint-Front church and the monastery. Following this event, and to be able to accommodate more pilgrims visiting Périgueux, the construction of a larger church began, in the shape of a Greek cross topped with domes: the ancestor of the cathedral that we know today. . We also began the construction of a bell tower above the tomb of Saint-Front and the monastery was enlarged.

When Saint-Front Cathedral becomes the pride of Périgueux

In 1669, the Saint-Front church officially became a cathedral.

The first domes built on the roofs of the building in the 600th century were damaged over time by frost, storms and the sun. The stone used for construction is in fact white stone from Périgord, which becomes porous over time. After about XNUMX years, water seeps into the cathedral, which is not very comfortable...

In the 18th century, to overcome this problem, rather than rebuilding the domes, they simply covered them with slate roofs. A century later, in the 19th century, we realized that the domes, despite the protection of the roof, threatened to collapse in the cathedral.

In 1840, the building was listed as Look out of France and we then called on the architect of the diocese of Périgueux, Paul abadie, to carry out the restoration work, or even reconstruction, of Saint-Front Cathedral between 1852 and 1890.

To create this heritage masterpiece, Paul Abadie will cleverly combine Byzantine and Romanesque styles, giving Saint-Front Cathedral its unique appearance. It is the presence of the domes hidden under the slate roof which will give him the idea of ​​the domes currently present on the cathedral and which, a small local pride, inspires him for the plans of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris !

Climb to seventh heaven: the roofs of Saint-Front Cathedral

Want to gain some perspective on the city while discovering the heritage of Périgord? 

If there is one visit not to be missed during your stay in Périgueux, it is the visit to the roofs of Saint-Front Cathedral. For an hour, climb the steps and never touch the ground again in the company of your guide. Once on the rooftops, enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the city and the Island. Keep an ear out: your guide shares with you the many anecdotes surrounding the domes and bell tower of Saint-Front Cathedral. Perfect for soaking up the beauty of Périgord while becoming knowledgeable about the history of the city and Saint-Front. So don't hesitate, book your tickets. Just one warning if you want to embark on this visit: it’s better not to be afraid of heights!

NB: the guided tour is done in groups (10 people maximum). 

To enjoy Saint-Front Cathedral a little more…

The Saint-Front Cathedral is, certainly, one of the cultural sites of the routes to Santiago de Compostela and a jewel of the heritage of Périgueux. But she also welcomes at her feet the famous market of Place de la Clautre since 1240. Another event not to be missed during your visit to Périgueux!

Way of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle

Market day in Périgueux: full of local produce!

• heritage gourmands

Visiting the roofs of Saint-Front Cathedral

By Marianne, June 17, 2023

Reading time: 4 min.

Questions about Saint-Front Cathedral? We answer you!